In today’s technology news roundup: TransEnterix cancels an investor event; Verizon joins the Open Innovation Network; Cree cracks the 300 lumen barrier for LEDs; Secure Enterprise Computing has a new name; Charlotte-based Iverify has a new CEO.

The headlines:

  • TransEnterix Cancels Investor-Analyst Event

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Robotic surgery firm TransEnteriz (OTCBB: TRXC) has canceled an event for investors and analysts that had been scheduled for April 3 in Salt Lake City.

The company cited “a scheduling conflict with senior management” as the reason.

“The Company continues to remain on track to complete its 2014 Key Objectives as outlined in the Company’s March 6, 2014 press release, including completing a pre-submission FDA filing for the SurgiBot system in the first quarter,” TransEnterix said in a statement.

  • Verizon Joins Open Invention Network

DURHAM – Verizon is the latest company to become a member of the Open Invention Network, which focuses on Linux related intellectual property.

“The communications industry is transforming rapidly as competitors invest to meet the needs of evolving ecosystems with diverse applications that serve a myriad of users and devices. Because of this, communications providers require the flexibility to adapt quickly while controlling costs and open source software is the perfect tool,” said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. “We appreciate Verizon’s leadership in joining OIN and supporting patent non-aggression in Linux. We view Verizon’s participation as a bellwether for other communications service providers.”

Patents owned by ONI are licensed royalty free to companies, institutions and individuals who agree not to assert its patents against the Linux system.

  • Cree Cracks 300-Lumen Barrier

DURHAM – Cree (Nasdaq: CREE) reported Wednesday that its researchers have cracked the 300 lumen-per-watt barrier in LEDs for the first time. That’s also a record for the industry, according to Cree. 

Researchers hit 303 lumens, up from the previous record set a year ago at 276 lumens. 

“This is truly an impressive accomplishment. Achieving this level of LED efficacy amplifies the potential for the solid-state lighting industry to deliver smaller, lower-cost lighting solutions, and even larger-than-expected energy savings,” said Steven DenBaars, professor and co-director, Solid State Lighting and Energy Center, University of California, Santa Barbara, in a statement provided by Cree.

According to the website RapidTables, standard lighting generates lumens per watt:

  • Tungsten incandescent light bulb:12.5-17.5 lm/W
  • Halogen lamp: 16-24 lm/W
  • Fluorescent lamp: 45-75 lm/W
  • LED lamp: 30-90 lm/W
  • New Name for Secure Enterprise Computing

RALEIGH – Secure Enterprise Computing, which focuses on network security, is now known as Agio.

Agio acquired privately held SEC last year.

Randall Bennett, who had owned SEC and continues to work at Agio, noted “It’s been a year in the making, and we are thrilled to complete the transition with our name change and rebranding. As security challenges continue to intensify, the link between technology and security has become irrevocable and we are now in a position to better serve our clients from the inside out. Same great people, same great service, but now with so much more.”

  • Iverify Board Member Now CEO

CHARLOTTE – Sean Forrest, a member of the board at security monitoring services firm Iverify, is now the company’s CEO.

Mark Spagnolo, who had been CEO, is moving into the executive chairman role.

Forrest has extensive experience in the security industry.

”“As a director,” he said, “I have observed firsthand the positive impact Iverify generates for the clients we serve. Iverify’s solutions create meaningful value for our customers not only by securing a location and reducing theft, but also by delivering business intelligence.”